Niccolo Machiavelli

The Discourses and The Prince

 Expansion of Dominions
• The Prince (Monarchies)
• The Discourses (Republics)
 Reasons for Expansion
• Monarchies: The Prince is compelled to follow such a policy by the
insatiable craving for power, which is natural for man.
• Republic: A Republic, if not impelled by choice , is sure to be driven to it
by necessity.
 Techniques
• To increase the population of cities
• To acquire allies rather than subjects
• To establish colonies in conquered territories
• To turn all booty into treasury
• To maintain a well trained army
 Issues in Acquisition
• Acquisition should be carried on with one’s own race
• Old institution should remain
• Acquisition becomes difficult where the language and institutions are different.
• Recommends persuasion for enforcement and maintenance of a new
constitution. Where it fails force should be applied.
• A strong and well organized army should be maintained to defend the new
constitution.
 Suggestions to the Prince
• Suppression of Opposition
• Use of Propaganda and Religion
• Taking quick decisions
• Ruthlessness
• Fox and Iron
• Welfare
• Strong Army
• Good Soldier and a Commander
• Secrecy
• No friends and foes
• Suppression of the vanquished
• Cultivation of Virtues
• Violation of Promises
• Use of Fear
• Dishonesty and Fraud
• Expansion
• Proper estimate of Enemy
• Achievements for Public Opinion
• Showman
• Selective in Advisors